Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 2022/C 88/10
Date: 2022-02-24
Institutions: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
Subjects: France, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, consumer information, designation of origin, fortified wine, labelling, product designation, quality control of agricultural products, red wine, still wine, white wine








C_2022088EN.01007901.xml










24.2.2022   


EN


Official Journal of the European Union


C 88/79






Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33
(2022/C 88/10)
This communication is published in accordance with Article 17(5) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 (1).
COMMUNICATION OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT TO THE SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘Côtes de Bordeaux’


PDO-FR-A0987-AM04


Date of communication: 26 November 2021


DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   Official Geographic Code

The municipalities making up the geographical area and the area in immediate proximity have been updated in line with the Official Geographic Code.
In the single document, points 6 and 9 have been amended.
2.   Agri-environmental provisions

The following agri-environmental provisions have been added to the specification.
Dead vines must be removed from the parcels. No dead vines may be held on the parcels.
Full chemical weed control on parcels is prohibited.
All winegrowers must calculate and record their treatment frequency index (TFI).
These amendments are intended to take better account of the environment and of general demands for less use of plant protection products.
These amendments do not require any changes to the single document.
3.   Date for circulation between authorised warehouses

Point IX(5)(b) of Chapter I on the date of entry into circulation of the wines between authorised warehouses has been deleted.
This amendment does not require any changes to the single document.
4.   Link

The link to the origin has been revised following the change in the number of municipalities as a result of merging.
This amendment does not require any changes to the single document.
5.   Transitional measures

The transitional measures that have expired have been removed from the specification.
This amendment does not require any changes to the single document.
6.   Reference to the inspection body

The reference to the inspection body has been reworded to align it with the wording of other product specifications. It is a purely formal amendment.
This amendment does not require any changes to the single document.
SINGLE DOCUMENT
1.   Name(s)

Côtes de Bordeaux
2.   Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected Designation of Origin
3.   Categories of grapevine products







1.


Wine




4.   Description of the wine(s)

1.   Still red wines

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION
The wines have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 11 %.
The fermentable sugar content does not exceed 3 grams per litre.
The total alcoholic strength by volume of the wines after enrichment does not exceed 13,5 %.
Malolactic fermentation is mandatory for the red wines. Each batch of red wine, packaged or unpackaged (bulk wines), has a maximum malic acid content of 0,3 grams per litre.
The wines have a maximum volatile acidity content of 13,26 milliequivalents per litre until 31 July of the year following the harvest, and 16,33 milliequivalents per litre after that date.
Before packaging, or when in bulk, the wines have a SO2 content of no more than 140 milligrams per litre.
The red wines are often based on Merlot N as the main grape variety, grown on clay-limestone soils that bring out all its specific qualities. Blending with Cabernet Sauvignon N, Cabernet Franc N or Cot N (known locally as Malbec) gives wines that are fruity and supple.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


in milliequivalents per litre




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




2.   Still dry white wines

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION
The wines have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 10,5 %.
The fermentable sugar content does not exceed 4 grams per litre.
The total alcoholic strength by volume of the wines after enrichment does not exceed 13 %.
They have a maximum volatile acidity content of 13,26 milliequivalents per litre until 31 July of the year following the harvest, and 16,33 milliequivalents per litre after that date.
Before packaging, or when in bulk, the wines have a SO2 content of no more than 180 milligrams per litre.
The white wines are generally based on the Sauvignon B variety combined with Semillon B and Muscadelle B.
Wines with the protected designation of origin ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’ are round, fruity and can be kept for three to ten years.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum total acidity


in milliequivalents per litre




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




3.   Still white dessert wines (‘vins liquoreux’)

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION
The wines have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 14,5 %.
The fermentable sugar content is over 51 grams per litre.
Before packaging, or when in bulk, the wines have a SO2 content of no more than 400 milligrams per litre.
By way of derogation, before packaging and when in bulk, these wines have a volatile acidity content established by decree.
The white wines with residual sugars often develop aromas of honey and citrus fruit.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


12




Minimum total acidity


in milliequivalents per litre




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


 




4.   Still white medium-sweet wines (‘vins moelleux’)

BRIEF WRITTEN DESCRIPTION
The medium-sweet white wines with residual sugar are made from grapes harvested with a minimum sugar content of 221 grams per litre of must. These wines are full of mellow sweetness and finesse.
Natural alcoholic strength by volume: at least 13,5 %
Total alcoholic strength by volume after enrichment: 15 %
Fermentable sugar content between 17 and 45 grams per litre.






General analytical characteristics




Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)


 




Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)


11,5




Minimum total acidity


in milliequivalents per litre




Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)


 




Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)


300




5.   Wine-making practices

5.1.   Specific oenological practices

1.   Density and spacing

Cultivation method
The minimum vine planting density is 4 500 plants per hectare.
The spacing between rows must not exceed:






—


2,5 metres for Guyot trained vines (single or double) or vines trained on low trellised cordons;










—


3 metres for lyre-trained vines with double trellising.




The spacing between plants in the same row must be at least:






—


0,85 metres for Guyot trained vines (single or double) or vines trained on low trellised cordons;










—


0,74 metres for lyre-trained vines with double trellising.




2.   Pruning rules

Cultivation method
Pruning is carried out at the unfolded leaves stage (Lorenz stage 9) at the latest.
The vines are pruned using either the short (spur) or the long (cane) pruning method, with a maximum of 45 000 buds per hectare and a maximum of 14 buds per vine.
3.   Specific provisions for harvest

Cultivation method
For white dessert wines, the grapes are harvested by hand in multiple passes.
4.   Enrichment

Specific oenological practice
Subtractive enrichment techniques are permitted for the red wines up to a concentration rate of 15 %.
After enrichment, the total alcoholic strength by volume must not exceed 13,5 % for the red wines; 13 % for the dry white wines; and 15 % for the medium-sweet white wines.
The dessert wines are not subject to any enrichment.
5.2.   Maximum yields

1.   Still red wines

65 hectolitres per hectare
2.   Still dry white wines

72 hectolitres per hectare
3.   Still white dessert wines

40 hectolitres per hectare
4.   Still white medium-sweet wines

55 hectolitres per hectare
6.   Demarcated geographical area

The grapes are harvested and the wines made, developed and matured in the following municipalities, or parts of municipalities, of the department of Gironde, based on the Official Geographic Code in force on 1 January 2021: Anglade, Bassens, Baurech, Béguey, Belvès-de-Castillon, Berson, Blaye, Bouliac, Braud-et-Saint-Louis, Cadillac, Cambes, Camblanes-et-Meynac, Campugnan, Capian, Caplong, Carbon-Blanc, Cardan, Carignan-de-Bordeaux, Cars, Cartelègue, Castillon-la-Bataille, Cavignac, Cénac, Cenon, Cézac, Civrac-de-Blaye, Cubnezais, Donnezac, Donzac, Etauliers, Eynesse, Eyrans, Floirac, Fours, Francs, Gabarnac, Gardegan-et-Tourtirac, Générac, Gensac, Haux, Landerrouat, Langoiran, Laroque, Laruscade, Latresne, Lestiac-sur-Garonne, Les Lèves-et-Thoumeyragues, Ligueux, Lormont, Loupiac, Marcenais, Margueron, Marsas, Massugas, Mazion, Monprimblanc, Omet, Paillet, Pellegrue, Pessac-sur-Dordogne, Pineuilh, Plassac, Pleine-Selve, the part of the municipality of Pugnac that belonged to Lafosse before they merged on 1 July 1974, the part of the municipality of Puisseguin that belonged to Monbadon before they merged on 1 January 1989, Quinsac, Reignac, Riocaud, Rions, La Roquille, Saint-André-et-Appelles, Saint-Androny, Saint-Aubin-de-Blaye, Saint-Avit-de-Soulège, Saint-Avit-Saint-Nazaire, Saint-Caprais-de-Bordeaux, Saint-Christoly-de-Blaye, Saint-Cibard, Saint-Ciers-sur-Gironde, Saint-Genès-de-Blaye, Saint-Genès-de-Castillon, Saint-Germain-de-Grave, Saint-Girons-d’Aiguevives, Saint-Magne-de-Castillon, Saint-Maixant, Saint-Mariens, Saint-Martin-Lacaussade, Saint-Palais, Saint-Paul, Saint-Philippe-d’Aiguille, Saint-Philippe-du-Seignal, Saint-Quentin-de-Caplong, Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, Saint-Savin, Saint-Seurin-de-Cursac, Saint-Vivien-de-Blaye, Saint-Yzan-de-Soudiac, Sainte-Colombe, Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, Sainte-Eulalie, Les Salles-de-Castillon, Saugon, Semens, Tabanac, Tayac, Le Tourne, Val-de-Livenne, Verdelais, Villenave-de-Rions and Yvrac.
7.   Main wine grape variety(-ies)

Cabernet Franc N
Cabernet Sauvignon N
Cot N – Malbec
Merlot N
Muscadelle B
Sauvignon B - Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Gris G - Fié Gris
Semillon B
8.   Description of the link(s)

The geographical area of the ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’ protected designation of origin is located in the department of Gironde, on the banks of the Garonne, the Dordogne and the Gironde rivers, in a hilly landscape with mainly clay-limestone soils. The designation is centred around five historical winegrowing centres: Blaye, Cadillac, Castillon-la-Bataille, Francs and Sainte-Foy-la-Grande.
The vineyards of ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’ overlook valleys where freshwater mixes with seawater. Maritime influences reach far inland. The Dordogne and Garonne rivers merge into the broad waterway of the Gironde Estuary. The area of ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’ covers the plain and the foot of the slopes overlooking the river, largely south-west facing, stretching to a steep incline. The landscape varies in height, ranging from some 30 metres to over 70 metres. It is dominated by plateaux, criss-crossed in places by the secondary river network.
This broad region benefits from favourable, relatively homogeneous climate conditions for grape production. These conditions include the location close to large bodies of water: the Atlantic Ocean, Gironde Estuary, and Garonne and Dordogne valleys, all of which play an important role in regulating the temperature. Furthermore, the maritime influences moderate the effects of spring frosts.
Heirs to a long tradition, the ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’ wines have qualities resulting from the diversity of the environment, grape varieties and people. Historically, equal preference was given to parcels at the foot of the slopes, on the inclines or indeed on the plateaux, depending on their drainage capacities and relative topographical situation. Every year, a thousand wine-growers bring their skills to the fore to produce these wines. In this way, each holding does whatever it takes, in the vineyard and in the winery, to make a famous product: the planting density requirement; the limited maximum load for each parcel; rules on blending the main and secondary grape varieties; a minimum maturation period for the wines until 15 March of the year following the harvest.
The vineyards of ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’ also offer wonderful heritage: historic châteaux, stately homes and fortresses, Romanesque churches, luxurious accommodation associated with the memory of famous writers and artists. Preserved villages with narrow streets, fortifications and imposing mills are witness to a wealth of viticultural and business activities.
Representing around 14 % of Bordeaux production, the ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’ wines today constitute a significant force in the field of Bordeaux wines. They bear witness to the historical wealth and power of the traditional grape varieties of Bordeaux.
The ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’ designation and its supplementary geographical names have acquired a significant reputation in their principal markets: France and Belgium. Over the last ten years, retail sales in France have grown by over 40 %, and over 15 % of French households bought wines of this designation. In terms of export, the ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’ wines enjoy a strong reputation in Europe, especially in Belgium. They are now being rolled out further, notably on the Asian markets.
These still wines are largely made from blends of main and secondary grape varieties.
The red wines are often based on Merlot N as the main grape variety, grown on clay-limestone soils that bring out all its specific qualities. Blending with Cabernet Sauvignon N, Cabernet Franc N or Cot N (known locally as Malbec) gives wines that are fruity and supple.
The white wines are generally based on the Sauvignon B variety combined with Semillon B and Muscadelle B.
Wines with the protected designation of origin ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’ are round, fruity and can be kept for three to ten years.
9.   Essential further conditions (packaging, labelling, other requirements)

Area in immediate proximity
Legal framework:
National legislation
Type of further condition:
Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area
Description of the condition:
For the protected designation of origin ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’, the area in immediate vicinity, defined by derogation for the making, development and maturation of the wines, comprises the territory of the following municipalities, based on the Official Geographic Code of 1 January 2021:






—


Department of Gironde:
Ambarès-et-Lagrave, Arbanats, Artigues-près-Bordeaux, Auriolles, Ayguemorte-les-Graves, Baigneaux, Baron, Barsac, Beautiran, Bellebat, Bellefond, Beychac-et-Caillau, Blésignac, Bommes, Bonnetan, Bossugan, Branne, La Brède, Budos, Cabara, Cadarsac, Cadaujac, Camarsac, Camiac-et-Saint-Denis, Camiran, Casseuil, Castelviel, the part of the municipality of Castets et Castillon corresponding to the delegated municipality of Castets-en-Dorthe, Castres-Gironde, Caudrot, Caumont, Cazaugitat, Cérons, Cessac, Civrac-sur-Dordogne, Coirac, Coubeyrac, Courpiac, Créon, Croignon, Cursan, Daignac, Dardenac, Daubèze, Doulezon, Escoussans, Espiet, Les Esseintes, Faleyras, Fargues, Fargues-Saint-Hilaire, Flaujagues, Frontenac, Gauriac, Gauriaguet, Génissac, Gironde-sur-Dropt, Gornac, Grézillac, Guillac, Illats, Isle-Saint-Georges, Izon, Jugazan, Juillac, Ladaux, Landiras, Langon, Lansac, Lapouyade Léogeats, Léognan, Lignan-de-Bordeaux, Listrac-de-Durèze, Loupes, Lugaignac, Lugasson, Lussac, Madirac, Martillac, Martres, Mazères, Mombrier, Montagne, Montignac, Montussan, Morizès, Mouliets-et-Villemartin, Moulon, Mourens, Naujan-et-Postiac, Nérigean, Peujard, Le Pian-sur-Garonne, Podensac, Pompignac, Porte-de-Benauge, Portets, Le Pout, Preignac, Pugnac, Puisseguin, Pujols, Pujols-sur-Ciron, Rauzan, Roaillan, Romagne, Sadirac, Saint-Antoine-du-Queyret, Saint-Aubin-de-Branne, Saint-Brice, Saint-André-de-Cubzac, Saint-André-du-Bois, Saint-Brice, Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes, Saint-Ciers-de-Canesse, Saint-Emilion, Saint-Etienne-de-Lisse, Saint-Exupéry, Saint-Félix-de-Foncaude, Saint-Ferme, Saint-Genès-de-Lombaud, Saint-Genis-du-Bois, Saint-Germain-du-Puch, Saint-Hilaire-du-Bois, Saint-Hippolyte, Saint-Jean-de-Blaignac, Saint-Laurent-d’Arce, Saint-Laurent-du-Bois, Saint-Laurent-du-Plan, Saint-Laurent-des-Combes, Saint-Léon, Saint-Loubert, Saint-Loubès, Saint-Macaire, Saint-Martial, Saint-Martin-de-Sescas, Saint-Médard-d’Eyrans, Saint-Michel-de-Rieufret, Saint-Morillon, Saint-Pierre-de-Bat, Saint-Pierre-de-Mons, Saint-Pey-d’Armens, Saint-Pey-de-Castets, Saint-Pierre-d’Aurillac, Saint-Quentin-de-Baron, Saint-Selve, Saint-Sulpice-et-Cameyrac, Saint-Sulpice-de-Faleyrens, Saint-Sulpice-de-Pommiers, Saint-Trojan, Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, Saint-Vincent-de-Pertignas, Sainte-Florence, Sainte-Foy-la-longue, Sainte-Radegonde, Sainte-Terre, Salleboeuf, Samonac, Sauternes, La Sauve, Soulignac, Soussac, Targon, Tauriac, Teuillac, Tizac-de-Curton, Tizac-de-Lapouyade, Toulenne, Tresses, Vignonet, Villeneuve and Virelade.










—


Department of Dordogne:
Bergerac, Bonneville-et-Saint-Avit-de-Fumadière, Bosset, Cunèges, Le Fleix, La Force, Fraisse, Gageac-et-Rouillac, Gardonne, Ginestet, Lamonzie-Saint-Martin, Lamothe-Montravel, Les Lèches, Lunas, Mescoules, Minzac, Monbazillac, Monestier, Monfaucon, Montazeau, Montcaret, Nastringues, Pomport, Port-Sainte-Foy-et-Ponchapt, Prigonrieux, Razac-de-Saussignac, Ribagnac, Rouffignac-de-Sigoulès, Saint-Antoine-de-Breuilh, Saint-Georges-de-Blancaneix, Saint-Géry, Saint-Méard-de-Gurçon, Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne, Saint-Pierre-d’Eyraud, Saint-Seurin-de-Prats, Saint-Vivien, Saussignac, Sigoulès et Flaugeac, Thénac, Vélines and Villefranche-de-Lonchat.










—


Département de Charente-Maritime: Saint-Georges-des-Agoûts.




Supplementary geographical names
Legal framework:
National legislation
Type of further condition:
Additional provisions relating to labelling
Description of the condition:
The name of the designation may be accompanied by ‘Blaye’, ‘Cadillac’, ‘Castillon’, ‘Francs’ or ‘Sainte-Foy’ as a supplementary geographical name if the wines meet the production requirements laid down for these supplementary geographical names.
Broader geographical unit
Legal framework:
National legislation
Type of further condition:
Additional provisions relating to labelling
Description of the condition:
Wines with the protected designation of origin may specify on their labels the broader geographical unit ‘Vin de Bordeaux’ or ‘Grand Vin de Bordeaux’.
The size of the letters used for this broader geographical unit must not be larger, in either height or width, than two thirds of the size of the letters forming the name of the protected designation of origin.
Collective identifier
Legal framework:
National legislation
Type of further condition:
Additional provisions relating to labelling
Description of the condition:
Labelling of wines with the designation of origin ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’, which may also include one of the supplementary geographical names ‘Blaye’, ‘Cadillac’, ‘Castillon’, ‘Francs’ or ‘Sainte-Foy’, must bear the collective identifier according to the provisions of the collective charter in force, drawn up by the group and made available to all operators.
Smaller geographical unit
Legal framework:
National legislation
Type of further condition:
Additional provisions relating to labelling
Description of the condition:
Wines with the protected designation of origin may specify on their labels the name of a smaller geographical unit, provided that:






—


it is a place name listed in the land registry;










—


it appears on the harvest declaration.




Terms on the labels
Legal framework:
National legislation
Type of further condition:
Additional provisions relating to labelling
Description of the condition:
In the case of white wines with the designation of origin ‘Côtes de Bordeaux’ which are accompanied by the supplementary geographical name ‘Sainte-Foy’ and have a fermentable sugar content (glucose and fructose) between 17 and 45 grams per litre, the term ‘moelleux’ [medium-sweet] must appear on the label.

Link to the product specification

http://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-ecf05533-907b-480f-977d-56a768e55c78


(1)  OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.